Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Before measles vaccines were introduced in the 1960s, major epidemics would occur approximately every 2 to 3 years, says the World Health Organisation.

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Some may assume that measles is just a rash and fever combo that clears within a few days, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years.

• 1 out of every 1000 people with measles will develop brain swelling, would cause brain damage.
• 1-3 out of 1000 people with measles will die

Measles

Symptoms: check if you or your child has measles

Measles starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash. Some people display small spots in their mouth. Symptoms generally first appear within 10-12 days after exposure to the virus:

• white spots inside mouth
• sore throat
• cough
• fever
• red eyes
• runny nose

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A skin rash is a classic sign and commonly develops on the head and spreads to other parts of the body.

Measles outbreak declared in Cape Metro.

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department is encouraging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated as a measles outbreak has been declared in the Cape Metro.

Read more: https://t.co/lZ5ddRzbwQ#CTNews pic.twitter.com/6VANjcTtmd

— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) February 23, 2023

Is measles contagious?

The measles virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat. It spreads through the air and by coming into direct contact with someone who has the virus. The virus can stay active in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours.

You can be contagious for 4 days before getting the telltale rash, says WebMD. This means you can easily spread the virus without knowing you have it. The health publisher says you are contagious even 4 days after the rash subsides.

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The CDC says the measles virus is so contagious that is one person has it, about 9 out of 10 people, around them will become infected if not protected:

Your child can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to two hours after that person has left. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing he/she has the disease—from four days before developing the measles rash through four days afterward.

Prevention tips at home

The CDC says the best protection against measles is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. It provides protection against all strains of measles.

Children can receive their first vaccination at 12 month, or sooner if travelling internationally, says Healthline. The second dose is given between then ages of 4 and 6. Adults who are not immunized can request the vaccine from their doctor. Side effects to the vaccine are mild and typically disappear in a few day. It includes a fever and rash.

The National Health Service says when you’re sick:

• throw used tissues in the bin
• use tissues when you cough or sneeze
• wash hands often with soap + water

Other prevention tips

Many do not have access to measles vaccines. Here are some other ways to help prevent the spread of the disease:

• wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom and before touching your mouth and nose and face.
• practice good hand hygiene.
• do not share personal items with people who are sick.
• avoid close contact with people who are infected.

Treatments when you have measles

The WHO says there is no specific antiviral treatment for the measles virus (yet). It says severe complications from measles can reduce through supportive care such as ‘good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration’. Patients can receive antibiotics to treat eye and ear infections, and pneumonia, assures the health agency.

WebMD recommends easing your symptoms at home with:

• use fever-reducing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Do not give children asprin.
• lots of rest
• plenty of fluids to hydrate after fever and sweats
• dim lights or sunglasses to relieve eye pain
• vitamin A. Boosting vitamin A levels can lessen symptoms
• use a humidifier for easy breathing